Coghlan to be part of first ever Barbarians Women’s team

Fiona Coghlan presents the Six Nations trophy to the crowd at the RDS Arena. Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Former Leinster and Ireland captain Fiona Coghlan has been named in the first ever Barbarians Women’s squad.

Coghlan was captain of the Ireland Women’s team when they won the 2013 Six Nations and during the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup, which included an historic win over New Zealand on the way to a fourth-place finish.

Along with Coghlan players from six other countries have accepted the invitation to play with the Barbarians, they are: Susie Brown (Scotland), Claire Cripps and Megan Goddard (England), Elen Evans (Wales), Emma Jenson (New Zealand), Christelle Le Duff (France) and Kelly Russell (Canada).

England World Cup winner Giselle Mather will coach the newly-formed team in a number of games to take place this season, with a full schedule to be announced.

“We’re delighted to open a new chapter in the Barbarian FC’s history with the creation of our women’s team this season,” said Barbarians Chairman John Spencer.

“Its formation is something we’ve been working towards for a number of years and it is a reflection of the excellence of the global women’s game which was showcased so brilliantly at this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland.

“Our aim is to welcome more talented players into this iconic club to forge new friendships and play with the style and passion for which the Barbarians are famous. We are working with clubs and unions around the world to make sure it benefits the players and the game.”

The first Barbarians Women’s match will be against Munster at Thomond Park next month.

If you would like to play or coach women’s rugby in Leinster, or if you would like to volunteer to help promote women’s rugby, contact Women’s Rugby Development Officer Jennie Bagnall at jennie.bagnall@leinsterrugby.ie.